Terrorist Hideouts Relocate to Urban Centers, Posing New Security Challenges
Terrorist hideouts in J&K have shifted from border areas to urban centers, complicating counter-terrorism efforts.
Photo by Vatsal Tyagi
Key Facts
Terrorist hideouts shifted from border areas to urban centers in J&K.
Shift observed in areas like Srinagar, Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora.
Overground Workers (OGWs) facilitate this shift.
Makes counter-terrorism operations more challenging due to dense population.
Security forces adapting strategies.
UPSC Exam Angles
Evolution of internal security threats and counter-terrorism strategies in India.
Role of intelligence agencies (e.g., NIA) and legal frameworks (e.g., UAPA) in combating terrorism.
Challenges of urban warfare, maintaining human rights, and minimizing collateral damage.
Impact of OGW networks on intelligence gathering and counter-insurgency operations.
Socio-economic factors contributing to radicalization and recruitment in urban settings.
Visual Insights
Shift in Terrorist Hideouts: J&K Border to Urban Centers
This map illustrates the observed tactical shift of terrorist hideouts from traditional border areas of Jammu and Kashmir to more densely populated urban centers. This change complicates counter-terrorism operations due to increased risk of collateral damage and reliance on Overground Workers (OGWs).
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent shift in terrorist hideouts in Jammu and Kashmir: 1. Terrorist groups are increasingly relocating from traditional border areas to urban centers. 2. This tactical adaptation primarily aims to facilitate easier cross-border infiltration. 3. Overground Workers (OGWs) are crucial in providing logistical support and blending terrorists into civilian populations. 4. The new strategy necessitates a greater reliance on conventional military operations rather than intelligence-driven ones. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2, 3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct as per the news summary. Statement 2 is incorrect; the shift to urban centers is primarily to exploit civilian cover and make operations difficult for security forces, not necessarily for easier infiltration, which is typically from border areas. Statement 3 is correct as OGWs are explicitly mentioned as aiding this shift. Statement 4 is incorrect; the news states it requires a 'more nuanced and intelligence-driven approach', not conventional military operations, to avoid collateral damage.
2. With reference to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, consider the following statements: 1. The Act allows the Central Government to designate an individual as a terrorist. 2. Only organizations, not individuals, can be designated as terrorist entities under UAPA. 3. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has the power to investigate cases under UAPA across states without prior permission from state governments. 4. Appeals against the designation of an individual as a terrorist under UAPA can be made to a review committee headed by a retired High Court judge. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.1, 3 and 4 only
- D.2, 3 and 4 only
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct. The 2019 amendment to UAPA empowered the Central Government to designate individuals as terrorists. Statement 2 is incorrect because of the 2019 amendment, which specifically allowed for individual designation. Statement 3 is correct. The NIA Act, 2008, grants NIA wide powers, including investigating scheduled offenses (which include UAPA offenses) across states without state government permission, reflecting its federal mandate. Statement 4 is correct. The UAPA provides for a review committee to hear appeals against the designation of individuals as terrorists, headed by a retired High Court judge, ensuring a check on executive power.
3. Which of the following statements best describes the concept of 'Overground Workers' (OGWs) in the context of militancy and terrorism? A) They are active combatants directly involved in armed operations against security forces. B) They are individuals who provide logistical, financial, and intelligence support to militant groups while blending into civilian life. C) They are foreign mercenaries who infiltrate across borders to carry out terror attacks. D) They are former militants who have surrendered and are now working with security agencies.
- A.They are active combatants directly involved in armed operations against security forces.
- B.They are individuals who provide logistical, financial, and intelligence support to militant groups while blending into civilian life.
- C.They are foreign mercenaries who infiltrate across borders to carry out terror attacks.
- D.They are former militants who have surrendered and are now working with security agencies.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Option B accurately defines OGWs. They are not direct combatants (Option A), nor are they necessarily foreign mercenaries (Option C) or surrendered militants working with agencies (Option D). Their key characteristic is their ability to operate 'overground' within society, providing crucial support to 'underground' terror networks, making them difficult to identify and neutralize, especially in urban settings where they exploit civilian cover.